Indie Game Developers: Stay Far, Far Away.

Looks like Activision is planning to change up their current game plan and try and create an entirely new IP in collaboration with one lucky independent game developer out there.

In an announcement at DICE, Activision CEO and (if the comment section from the above article is to be believed) focus of hatred for gamers everywhere, (perhaps second only to Jack Thompson) Bobby Kotick announced a competition for independent game developers everywhere with the prize being sponsorship in developing the company's title. What, exactly, is Acitivion's definition of "Sponsorship?" Well apparently it's slightly different from Kotick's. Kotick claimed the winner of the competition will be granted a prize of $500,000. Activision, on the other hand, sets the prize at $100,000. (You can find all the currently known details of the competition here) Hmmm, somewhat the opposite of how I would have imagined such a discrepancy going.

If you don't feel like using the included link to read Activision's PDF on the competition, here's everything included therein:

"Activision announces the 2010 Activision Independent Game Competition!

This summer, one developer will win funding to make their game development dreams a reality. The official entry form and eligibility requirements will be posted in a few weeks. In the meantime, this is what we'll be looking for in submissions:

• A two-page summary of your proposed game. Please include three to five bullet-point elements or goals that you feel define your project (i.e. 'open- world,' 'puzzle-based,' 'flying dragon combat'). Beyond that, you may structure these two pages as you see fit; creativity is encouraged.
• A video, no longer than five minutes, explaining and illustrating your game. Footage of your game in motion, character models, animatics -- show your project and its elements however you feel would be most compelling.
• The official entry form, which will be posted here soon
• A non-disclosure agreement, which will be posted here soon

So get ready to send us your ideas either on your own or on a team.

Check back for more information in early March, and good luck!"

So why should any indie developer reading this stay far far away? Two reasons:

1) Activision has become infamous for grinding out the creativity of game development in favor of turning it into a business. Mostly this means churning out yearly, if not semi-annual, "sequels" to established franchises which, in general, means minor updates as opposed to full sequels. Ever wonder why Infinity Ward only develops every other Call of Duty title now? Well now you know. This is something of a no-no to most "serious" gamers.

2) I've got a design document or two (one in particular) that I want to see turned into games because...well I think they're awesome. (surprise, surprise...) so I'd like to cut down on the competition as much as possible.

Kinda makes you wonder about the truth behind my reasoning for number 1, don't it?